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Gozo Acupuncture & Wellness
The Tower Building
Level 3, Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, Gozo, Malta
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are considering acupuncture for the first time, looking for support with fertility or women’s health, booking a massage or bodywork treatment, or exploring coaching and personal transformation, you may have questions before your first appointment. Here are some of the questions we are most commonly asked.
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), in which very fine, sterile needles are inserted at specific points on the body.
From a TCM perspective, acupuncture works with the body's network of channels and its patterns of balance and function.
From a modern biomedical perspective, research suggests acupuncture can influence the nervous system and other tissues in the body, although the full mechanisms are still being studied.
Acupuncture is used for a wide range of concerns, particularly pain and musculoskeletal problems, as well as women's health, fertility support, neurological conditions, stress and general wellbeing.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine — much thinner than the needles commonly used for injections.
Most people find acupuncture surprisingly comfortable. You may feel a brief prick, pressure, warmth, tingling or a dull sensation around a needle. Some people feel very little at all and many find the treatment deeply relaxing.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a properly trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.
At Gozo Acupuncture & Wellness, our acupuncture practitioners are registered with the Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine (CPCM) and use sterile, disposable needles that are safely discarded after every treatment.
Minor bruising, slight bleeding, temporary soreness, dizziness or drowsiness can occasionally occur. Serious complications are rare, but appropriate assessment and safe needling technique are important.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
There is no single number that applies to everyone.
Your practitioner will consider your reason for attending, how long you have had the problem, your general health and how you respond to treatment.
Some people notice a change after one or two sessions, while longer-standing or more complex concerns may require a course of treatment.
Your practitioner will discuss a suitable treatment plan with you after your initial assessment.
What happens during my first acupuncture appointment?
Your first appointment includes a detailed consultation and health history.
Your practitioner may ask about your current symptoms, medical history, medications, sleep, digestion, menstrual cycle, stress levels and general wellbeing, depending on the reason for your visit.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, your practitioner may also assess your pulse and tongue as part of the overall picture.
Treatment is then tailored to your individual needs.
What should I do before my acupuncture appointment?
Try to arrive reasonably nourished rather than very hungry or having just eaten a large meal.
For TCM assessment, it is helpful if possible to avoid coffee, strongly coloured drinks and food immediately before your appointment, as these can temporarily affect the appearance of the tongue.
You do not need to stop prescribed medication or usual supplements unless your practitioner or doctor has specifically advised you to do so.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the areas being treated.
What should I do after my acupuncture appointment?
Most people can return to their normal activities after treatment.
You may feel relaxed, calm or slightly tired afterwards, so allow yourself a little time before rushing into a busy schedule if possible.
Drink normally, eat as usual and listen to your body. Your practitioner may give you specific recommendations depending on your treatment.
What types of massage and bodywork are available?
Our clinic offers a range of therapeutic approaches, including:
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Sports Massage
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Deep Tissue Massage
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Chinese Remedial Massage (Tuina)
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Craniosacral Therapy
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Reflexology
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Rolfing
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Cupping & Gua Sha
Each approach has a different focus, and your practitioner will work according to your individual needs.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
You do not need to know which therapy is right before you book.
If you are unsure, tell us what you would like help with — for example pain, muscle tension, sports recovery, stress, relaxation, mobility or general wellbeing.
We can help direct you towards the practitioner or treatment most appropriate for your needs.
Is massage suitbale if I have a medical condition?
It depends on the condition, the type of massage and your individual circumstances.
Please tell your practitioner about any significant health conditions, injuries, medications, pregnancy or recent surgery when booking. Some forms of massage may need to be modified or avoided in certain circumstances.
Do you offer fertility acupuncture?
Yes. Cherie specialises in Women’s Health & Fertility Acupuncture, including support around menstrual health, PCOS, endometriosis, preconception and IVF.
Treatment is individualised according to your health history, menstrual cycle and fertility journey.
Can acupuncture be used alongside IVF?
Acupuncture may be used as a complementary treatment alongside conventional fertility care.
It does not replace medical fertility assessment or treatment. If you are undergoing IVF or other assisted reproductive treatment, your acupuncture care will be planned with your treatment schedule in mind.
Do you work with both women and men with regards to fertility?
Yes. Fertility is a partnership, and acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may be used to support aspects of reproductive health in both women and men.
What is the Golden Flower Path?
The Golden Flower Fertility Path™ is Cherie's signature 8-week fertility transformation programme.
It brings together Chinese Medicine wisdom, fertility physiology, nervous system regulation, emotional wellbeing, embodied practices and reproductive awareness.
It is designed for women who want to explore their fertility journey in a more integrated way.
Coming soon.
What is Coaching & Personal Transformation?
This is a separate service from acupuncture and focuses on personal change rather than physical treatment.
Sessions may incorporate NLP, Time Line Therapy® and Hypnosis, depending on your individual goals.
People may seek this work when they feel stuck, overwhelmed or unclear, or when they want to work on confidence, boundaries, habits, emotional patterns, life transitions or personal goals.
Do I need to know exactly what I want to change before booking?
No.
Many people arrive knowing that something needs to change without being completely sure what that change should look like.
The first session is an opportunity to understand what is happening, identify what you would like to work towards and determine whether this approach is appropriate for you.
How many coaching sessions do I need?
This depends on your goals and the nature of the work.
Some people may benefit from a small number of focused sessions, while others may prefer a longer process.
Your practitioner will discuss this with you rather than assuming you need a fixed number of sessions.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No referral is generally required to book an appointment.
However, complementary therapies do not replace appropriate medical diagnosis or treatment. If your symptoms require medical assessment, your practitioner will advise you to seek appropriate medical care.
What shall I tell my practitioner before treatment?
Please let your practitioner know about:
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Current or recent medical conditions
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Medications and supplements
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Allergies
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Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
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Recent surgery or significant injury
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Any relevant medical investigations or diagnoses
This information helps your practitioner determine whether treatment is appropriate and whether any modifications are needed.
Can I have more than one treatment at the clinic?
Yes. Different therapies may sometimes complement one another.
However, it is not necessary to book multiple treatments simply because they are available. Your practitioner can help you decide what is appropriate for your individual needs.
Can I come to the clinic just for relaxation and wellbeing?
Absolutely.
You do not need to have a specific medical condition to benefit from treatments such as acupuncture, reflexology, craniosacral therapy or massage.
Some clients come because they are experiencing pain or a specific health concern; others simply want time to slow down, recover and support their overall wellbeing.
Can I come to the clinic just for relaxation and wellbeing?
Absolutely.
You do not need to have a specific medical condition to benefit from treatments such as acupuncture, reflexology, craniosacral therapy or massage.
Some clients come because they are experiencing pain or a specific health concern; others simply want time to slow down, recover and support their overall wellbeing.
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be booked online through our booking system.
If you are unsure which practitioner or service to choose, you are welcome to contact us and we can help direct you.
Where is the clinic?
Gozo Acupuncture & Wellness is located at The Tower Building, Level 3, Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, Gozo.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We understand that plans can change.
We ask that you provide as much notice as possible so that the appointment can be offered to another client.
Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a 50% cancellation fee, in accordance with our cancellation policy.
Can I arrive late?
Please allow enough time to arrive and settle before your appointment.
If you arrive late, your practitioner may need to shorten the treatment so that the next client's appointment is not affected.
Still have a question?
If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please get in touch.
We are happy to help you find the right practitioner or service for your needs.
Massage & Bodywork
Women's Health & Fertility



Coaching & Personal Transformation
